The Quinnipiac University School of Law (QUSL) Homelessness Mitigation Mediation Program (HMMP) just received a $540,000 grant from the Connecticut State Department of Housing. The award will support HMMP’s work to assist the department in serving individuals applying for the UniteCT Eviction Prevention Fund Program.
The grant enables QUSL to continue offering landlord-tenant mediation services to clients deemed eligible for HMMP by the Department of Housing. The purpose is to help as many clients as possible before they attend any formal court proceedings. This pre-court mediation process is designed to lower any potential anxiety for the clients and help the Connecticut Judicial Branch with its case management.
“Quinnipiac University School of Law’s partnership with the Department of Housing began as a six-month pilot in February 2021, and since this time, it has continued to help individuals facing eviction to work through those issues and remain in their homes,” said Dean Jennifer Gerarda Brown. “This two-year extension is truly exciting. It allows us to continue our focus on providing thoughtful and empathetic mediation services to some of our most vulnerable fellow citizens facing housing instability. To date we have assisted over 1,350 families and individuals navigate their housing situation and options,” Brown added. “We have also focused on our students, providing them with opportunities to participate in a mediation clinic that demonstrates to them the incredible impact they can have on their communities.”